Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has defended his decision to collaborate with President William Ruto in a broad-based government, reiterating that the move was essential to avert a national crisis and ensure Kenya’s stability.
Speaking at the funeral of veteran politician and women’s rights champion Phoebe Asiyo in Homa Bay County, Odinga remarked that Kenya was on the verge of political and social upheaval last year.
“We know where we have come from. We were in a very serious situation sometimes last year. There was a great possibility of Kenya degenerating into a failed state,” Odinga stated, cautioning against downplaying the circumstances that necessitated the political partnership.
“People who don’t understand history talk very easily. Ask them what happened in countries like Libya, Egypt, and Tunisia – why we have military regimes there today.”
The ODM leader highlighted that the formation of a broad-based government, was not intended to preserve the political fortunes of any individual but to secure Kenya’s future and long-term stability.
“We sacrificed so that there could be peace in this country, and that is why we are here today. I do not regret what we did. We did it in the best interests of our country. Kenya must move forward,” he asserted.
Raila announced that a joint ODM–UDA Parliamentary Group meeting will take place next week to align MPs on the implementation of the commitments outlined in their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
“Our MoU will remain in place up to 2027. After that we will see where we go. You are saying one term, so what? Kenyans will decide the term,” he added, expressing confidence that the partnership would extend beyond 2027.
